Casa Roca Negra | 3-Bedroom Villa in Salao (Santa Cruz) Gaula

A luxury villa rental in Salão (Santa Cruz), Funchal that commands unobstructed sea views from a heated private pool—this is where six guests discover that the most memorable holidays happen when the kitchen is as good as the view. Casa Roca Negra sits perched above the Atlantic, its contemporary design and split-level layout making it feel less like a typical rental property and more like a private family compound with hotel-grade amenities.

Inside Casa Roca Negra

Casa Roca Negra sleeps 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms spread across two thoughtfully designed floors. The ground floor opens with a spacious living area anchored by a working fireplace—the kind you’ll actually use on cooler Madeira evenings—paired with comfortable seating and a flat-screen television for those rare moments when you choose to stay indoors. Adjacent to this, an open-plan dining zone accommodates six people at a sleek glass table, positioning meals as the social centerpiece they deserve to be. The kitchen commands serious attention: induction cooktop with four rings, built-in electric oven, dishwasher, microwave, and granite work surfaces that stretch across the cooking zone. This is the kind of culinary space that transforms holiday meal preparation from a chore into genuine pleasure. A guest toilet on this level rounds out the ground floor functionality.

Ascending to the first floor, the master bedroom reveals a 160×200cm queen bed with a private ensuite shower room and direct access to a balcony where morning coffee overlooks the Atlantic. The second bedroom mirrors this configuration—another queen bed (160×200cm) with its own private balcony access, positioned to capture southern light throughout the day. The third bedroom offers flexibility with two single beds (90×200cm each), suitable for children, teenagers, or guests who prefer separate sleeping arrangements. A family bathroom serves the upper level, featuring a shower and all standard amenities for a party of six. Throughout the villa, air conditioning maintains comfort during Funchal’s warmer months, while Wi-Fi connection keeps you linked to the world if you choose to be.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The exterior grounds transform Casa Roca Negra into something approaching a small resort. The heated private swimming pool—approximately 8 metres across—features a generous shallow section ideal for leisurely floating while absorbing views toward the Ponta de São Lourenço. Surrounding the pool, an expansive lawn rolls out like a green carpet, providing space for games, lounging, or simply lying back and listening to the sound of waves somewhere beyond the property boundary. Multiple sun loungers position themselves strategically around the pool perimeter, while a covered terrace provides shade during the hottest afternoon hours. A second outdoor dining area allows you to position meals anywhere on the grounds—breakfast on one terrace catching the morning light, lunch poolside, dinner under stars on the covered section. Garden furniture throughout the space ranges from contemporary loungers to dining chairs, all selected for comfort during extended use. A barbecue area enables outdoor cooking, perfect for grilled fish or meats sourced from local markets. Private parking accommodates vehicles right at the property, eliminating the typical villa inconvenience of parking elsewhere and walking to your accommodation.

Location: Salão (Santa Cruz) and the Surrounding Area

Salão anchors the northern coast of Funchal, a neighbourhood that existed long before modern tourism reshaped the island. This proximity to the capital means you’re never more than 15 minutes from Funchal’s restaurants, shops and markets, yet geographically separated enough to feel genuinely rural. The Atlantic breaks constantly against the rocky coastline here—dramatic rather than sandy, with dramatic cliffsides rather than resort beaches. For actual beach swimming, Praia da Ribeira Brava sits approximately 18km west, a true sandy beach protected by headlands and famous among locals for calm conditions. Alternatively, Calheta Beach lies 35km further west along the coast road, Madeira’s longest sandy beach and a destination worth a day trip in itself.

Within Salão itself, the Sao Salvador Church rises from the landscape with distinctive white-washed walls visible from considerable distances—approximately 8km from Casa Roca Negra—serving as both spiritual landmark and visual reference point. The interior features painted ceilings and stained glass characteristic of Portuguese religious architecture. Moving toward Gaula (the next settlement roughly 3km west), the Fabrica de Vimes do Cafe Relogio preserves the traditional art of basket weaving through demonstration workshops and a permanent exhibition including a life-sized wooden sailing vessel. This 20-minute drive from Casa Roca Negra opens a window onto Madeira’s artisanal heritage.

Funchal itself—approximately 12km south via the EN101 coastal road—contains all major services: supermarkets including Continente and Jumbo, the Funchal Fish Market (Mercado dos Lavradores) for morning produce, restaurants serving everything from casual tascas to Michelin-recognized establishments. Bife, a traditional Portuguese steak dish of prime beef fried then stewed until tender, appears on menus throughout the region as a cultural staple. The drive takes roughly 20 minutes depending on traffic patterns.

For activity-focused visitors, boat hire operators in nearby Câmara de Lobos (15km) offer deep-sea fishing and dolphin-watching trips. The island’s interior rewards exploration via established hiking routes: Pico do Arieiro (highest peak at 1,810 metres, roughly 40km away) accessible by car, with trails descending through cloud forest. Levada walks—irrigation channels converted to pedestrian paths—crisscross the island; the Levada dos 25 Fontes walk takes approximately 90 minutes and exits near Paul da Serra plateau. Wine enthusiasts find Tinta Negra and Malmsey varieties at local cooperatives, with tastings available at numerous quintas (estates) throughout the interior valleys.

Madeira International Airport (Cristiano Ronaldo International) lies 22km east of Casa Roca Negra, approximately 30-40 minutes by vehicle depending on traffic. Transfers can be arranged through Excellence Luxury Villas, converting airport arrival into the villa’s first service rather than a logistical puzzle. The best time to visit runs April through June when temperatures hover around 22-24°C, rainfall remains minimal, and crowds haven’t yet peaked. September through October offers equally pleasant conditions with warmer water temperatures ideal for swimming. November through February brings occasional rain and slightly cooler days (15-18°C) but substantially fewer visitors and deeply atmospheric light.

To explore similar luxury villas in the region, browse our luxury villas across Europe and our full collection in Gaula, Portugal. For comprehensive destination guidance, consult our Funchal travel guide, which details seasonal events, restaurant recommendations, and activity planning.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Casa Roca Negra accommodates parties of two to six with varying priorities. Families with children aged 5-15 find the heated pool particularly valuable—young swimmers gain confidence in the shallow section while parents relax on surrounding loungers. The high chairs and cots available through the rental indicate direct accommodation planning for infants and toddlers, though the split-level layout requires some navigation with very young children.

Multi-generational groups—grandparents, adult children, grandchildren under one roof—benefit from the separation of bedrooms across the upper floor; different family units gain privacy without isolation. Working professionals or digital nomads appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi and quiet study environment away from Funchal’s busier central areas.

Couples without children discover considerable appeal in the master bedroom’s private balcony and ensuite arrangement, combined with the pool’s intimate scale and the property’s positioning away from tourist zones. Groups of friends find the dining space and outdoor living areas conducive to shared cooking and conversation.

Guests seeking beach-focused holidays should note that Salão itself offers dramatic coastal scenery rather than swimmable beaches; actual beach swimming requires 15-35km travel to Praia da Ribeira Brava or Calheta. The heated pool becomes the primary water feature rather than an optional amenity.

Practical Information

Casa Roca Negra accommodates 6 guests maximum across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The property includes all linens, towels, and Wi-Fi connection within the rental price. Pool heating operates year-round at standard temperature settings. The washing machine and dishwasher handle laundry and dishes without manual effort. Air conditioning provides climate control, essential during July and August when afternoon temperatures climb toward 28°C. A hairdryer is available in the bathrooms. Gas barbecue and garden furniture require no additional rental fees.

Transfers from Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (22km distant, approximately 35-minute drive) can be arranged with advance notice through Excellence Luxury Villas, eliminating the need to navigate rental car pickups or taxi negotiations immediately upon arrival. The nearest supermarket—Continente—sits approximately 4km away in Funchal’s central area, accessible by car in roughly 8-10 minutes. Local restaurants ranging from casual tascas to established establishments lie within 5-10km, mostly concentrated in Funchal proper or the nearby village of Câmara de Lobos.

Check-in and check-out times align with standard European luxury villa practices; flexibility regarding early arrivals or late departures can be discussed directly with the booking team based on property availability and cleaning schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions about Casa Roca Negra

How many guests does Casa Roca Negra sleep?

Casa Roca Negra accommodates 6 guests maximum. The three bedrooms break down as follows: the master bedroom with one queen bed (160×200cm), a second bedroom with one queen bed (160×200cm), and a third bedroom with two single beds (90×200cm each). The property includes high chairs and cots for guests travelling with infants or very young children, making it suitable for families with young families; however, these do not increase the overall adult capacity.

What is the nearest airport to Casa Roca Negra in Salão (Santa Cruz)?

Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (formerly Madeira International Airport) lies 22km southeast of Casa Roca Negra, accessible via the EN101 coastal road and interior routes through Funchal. The drive takes approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic patterns and the specific time of day. Transfers can be arranged through Excellence Luxury Villas to collect you directly from the terminal, ensuring a smooth transition from arrival to your accommodation.

What is the best time of year to rent Casa Roca Negra?

April through June offers optimal conditions: temperatures range between 22-24°C, rainfall remains minimal, and the island experiences substantially fewer tourists than summer months. The pool water temperature reaches comfortable levels without requiring heavy heating. September through October provides warmer conditions (24-26°C) with lower rainfall and ideal sea temperatures for swimming, though crowds increase moderately. November through February brings occasional rain and cooler days (15-18°C), but dramatically reduced visitor numbers and atmospheric light quality that photographers and artists particularly value. July and August peak at 28°C with significant tourist congestion. Winter months (December-February) see occasional storms but remain mild compared to mainland European winter standards.

Is Casa Roca Negra suitable for families with children?

Yes, with specific considerations. The heated private pool features a shallow section ideal for young swimmers, with surrounding loungers allowing parent supervision from poolside relaxation. The property includes high chairs and cots, indicating direct accommodation planning for infants and toddlers. However, the split-level layout with stairs between floors requires some navigation care with very small children. Nearby beaches suitable for family swimming—Praia da Ribeira Brava (18km west) and Calheta Beach (35km west)—require short car journeys. Local attractions like the Levada walks and hiking trails in Pico do Arieiro (40km interior) suit families with children aged 5+. The quieter Salão location away from Funchal’s busier central areas appeals to families seeking calm rather than entertainment-focused holidays.

What is included in the rental price at Casa Roca Negra?

The rental price includes all utilities (electricity, water, gas for the barbecue), Wi-Fi internet connection, air conditioning, pool heating, all linens and towels, use of all furniture and garden equipment, the washing machine and dishwasher, and the barbecue facility. These amenities require no additional fees or top-up payments. What is NOT typically included: groceries, alcoholic beverages beyond what you bring, or premium content on streaming services (though basic Wi-Fi connectivity supports standard platforms like Netflix or Apple TV).

What restaurants and shops are near Casa Roca Negra?

Funchal, approximately 12km south (20-minute drive), contains the full range of shopping and dining: Continente and Jumbo supermarkets for self-catering, the historic Mercado dos Lavradores (Fish Market) for produce and fresh ingredients, and restaurants ranging from casual tascas serving traditional Portuguese fare to Michelin-recognized establishments like Il Gallo d’Oro. Bife (traditional Portuguese steak) appears on most menus as a regional staple. Câmara de Lobos, 15km southwest (approximately 20-minute drive), offers a smaller but authentic selection of family-run restaurants positioned along the fishing harbor, particularly strong for seafood. Local restaurants typically serve lunch from 12:00-15:00 and dinner from 19:00-22:00. Reservations are recommended for dinner during peak season (July-August). The nearest small convenience stores in Salão proper offer basics but limited selection; for comprehensive shopping, Funchal remains necessary.